Israeli President Shimon Peres said in an interview on Sunday he welcomed efforts by his Egyptian counterpart to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict but accused Hamas of rejecting the proposals.

He told Britain's Sky News television that there was a possibility of a de-escalation of the conflict.

"We also appreciate the efforts of the president of Egypt to introduce a ceasfire. But until now, Hamas has rejected the proposal of the Egyptian president," he said.